Getting Inspired

Have I had so little going on over the past month that I couldn't bother to update my blog...just the opposite. Things have been so busy lately that even the thought of updating my blog seemed too much to bare. Ahhh, deep breath and ready to go!

Brief recap of the end of the month:

- great but too short recovery from Mt. Masochist

- two weeks post-race I ran a 25K, too fast, a wonderful long run in Bastrop (more on that later), and a 5-mile Turkey Trot at my parents (was happy to run 35 minutes on VERY tired legs)

- came home from Thanksgiving, and straight to Kileen to visit Paul's family, and then his parents came to our house the next night

- Thursday after Thanksgiving met up with friends for a business planning meeting at this fantastic restaurant...so good we took a picture of our plates (by the way 1/2 portion split with Erin)

- Then Paul's birthday, and I threw him a Dessert Party. It was great times to over-feed so many for his birthday, and, yes, everyone who came went home with leftovers!!

...in the midst of all of this projects due and working; now can you see where my blog posting time has gone???

So here I am in the midst of a very busy time, and Sunmart is approaching. Sunmart holds a special place for me, even with the crowds on the trail. It is the first Ultra I did, I get to see so many friends out there, and it is a good place to have some speed at the 50-mile distance. Did I mention the trophies are REALLY cool!

As I was getting plans together for the trip, I really created a great weekend to look forward to...I would see Catherine and Bryan on Friday morning, Ashley would stay with me Friday night, and Noelle was kind enough to fill the roll of my crew/ass kicker!

I know I have mentioned it before, but I am not a huge fan of the cold, so when the weather report was calling for a low in the 70s and a high in the mid to upper 80s I was thrilled!! I knew I could run in those temps and know how to manage my nutrition in the heat. I had my plan of Succeed, Cookies, Potatoes, etc. ready to rock.

I got into Huntsville around 2:30 Friday afternoon, had pre-race dinner, and put my legs up on the bed. Chad and Ashley arrived around 5, and had a laugh that I was just sitting in the bed. We had done a very speedy long run together in Bastrop, and I was so happy it had been warm that day. We were ready for the heat, and I spent a bit of time trying to convince them that short and t-shirt weather was a fun thing! They went to have their pre-race dinner, and when they got back I was still on the bed...although I had put my pj pants on. They were quite humored with my pre-race ritual of relaxtion, but I kept reminding them of just how much longer I would be running than they would (they were both doing the 50K). After some good chatting, Chad went over to his hotel. Ashley very shortly joined me in my pre-race vegging.

I actually slept on and off quite well, although when the morning rolled around I felt quite uninspired to be racing. I went through all the motions: getting dressed, body gilding, eating, drinking, loading the car. Off I headed to the park, hoping the vibe of the start/finish area would get me going. I got there and still I was not struck. I laid out all of my stuff in the same fashion I always do, ready to grab and go after each loop. I shared hugs and hellos with all of my friends. I was so happy that Bryan and Catherine were there early enough to share in the pre-race hugs. With 30 minutes to go...I REALLY needed to get going, in my head, so I listened to Brave and Mighty to Save. I tried to get others as hyped about my music selection but not a nibble, apparently God Rock (my new name for my music) is not everyone's running motivation.

Soon enough it is time to get to the start. Noelle and I walk that way, and see Lorena as she is making her way to the start. She had a 50-miler on her life to-do list and today was her day to cross it off. I was so excited for her to go for it. I knew I would see her throughout the day, so I was excited for that. And then, we lined up, I said a prayer during the national anthem, and we were off. I was in a good pack from the beginning, but in a very comfortable position. We hit the first aid station, and the only thing I noticed was that I was drenched...nice.

My favorite section of the first loop is the out-and-back because you see all of your friends on one side or the other. I saw my friend, Pete, on this section. I saw another friend of ours in front of him, and I could see the look in his eyes chasing him. I looked right at him, and said "run smart. run your race." I didn't know if my words would stick, but know he runs his best when he is not trying to keep someone else's pace. He is a very smart runner running his own race. I had already backed off from running with Robert, just for sake of having conversation...his pace was not mine.

Toward the end of the first loop I was sloshing, even after having taken 600mg of sodium. It was an entirely different beast with 80 degrees and 100% humidity. I just started pounding the salt....stomach stopped sloshing but I needed to go to the restroom. I went once in the woods and then when I came through the start/finish ran to go again. I told Noelle I was going to have manage my stomach with the heat, but I forced my food and drink down as scheduled. I have learned the very hard way that the best I can do is continue with food and drink even if I don't feel good...things are much more likely to improve if I can continue to eat. So off on the second loop I went.

It was good to see the 50K people out there on this loop. I was thrilled for the company. I didn't know many of the 50-milers around me, and most didn't have a ton to say...oh well, I had my music and the pines to keep me company. on the back end of the loop I caught up to two of my friends running the 50K, Jeanette and Laurie, and was so thrilled to have their company. I couldn't believe what a rough time I was having for less than 25 miles. Yuck... After a visit with each of them I put my head down and grinded back to the start/finish area.

To my joy, Bryan and Noelle were awaiting my arrival from the loop. I needed their lift. Bryan had decided it just wasn't worth it in the weather; he does not do well with the heat. I was so thrilled to have him walk me out as I was stuffing my face with food to get revamped for loop 3, always my toughest. They had told me that others were having a tough time, and it made me feel good to not be suffering alone. Off I went with the encouragement of Bryan, who said all of the right things!!

Loop 3 was tough because I was so alone. There were people on the trail, just none that I knew. I wanted my friends. I wanted company. The heat was life-sucking and I wanted conversation to distract me. I was so desperate for conversation that when I caught up to one of the Canadian women (the world championship for the 50-miler was going on) who didn't speak much English, I actually fought to piece together a conversation with her. It was pretty funny because all I understood her talk about was falling on the dirt, which she had another name for, and I am pretty sure she didn't understand a word out of my mouth. We got to the next aid station and I drank some soda, put my head phones on and headed off. I prayed to God to give me the strength to fight. I so wanted to be done. I couldn't believe I had another loop to do. I thought of my friend Jamie and her incredible will to drag her leg to the finish at Badwater. I thought of this only being a test of my will, and it was only up to me, my belief in God, and my belief in myself to perservere to the finish. I fought my way to the finish of the 3rd loop.

Noelle could feel the defeat in my eyes, but took my food and drink and walked out with me. I shoved potatoes, cookies, and drink in. I was going to feed my soul to run. It was then I looked her and my watch and said, "I'll be back before 9 hours comes." That meant I had to run! I was fueled, and ready to go. I ran to the out-and-back section and wanted to get the job done. Fortunately there were a few 50k people with the same intention...I ran with them for about 10 minutes and then headed off. I had the wind at my back and the final miles ticking away. I passed two women who weren't feeling very well, but I needed to take what small amount of energy from them I could from them because I needed the continual boost.

I was chasing such a not even secondary goal....first was to finish, second was to break 9 hours. If you would have asked me before the race, I would have thought I would have been in my car in under 9 hours. (did I mention we were going to a party in Austin Saturday night). But, here I was with my new goals and chasing the dream of reaching them. I hit the last aid station, not sure if I liked the random drum pounding or not, and knew I could do it. Then through the trees I could see Larry. I thought he got a glimpse of me because he would be walking and then all of a sudden totally take off. So randomly, this made me run faster..."don't run away from me," I thought. Finally, with about 1.5 miles to go I caught him with all of my chasing energy. (He hadn't known I was behind him) We took off together. At first we talked about the emotion of the draining day, then we were too out of breath to talk. We were running hard, or at least as hard as our tired bodies would take us. To the finish line we landed...proud, happy, and drained. Our toughest day, COMPLETE!!

After I finished, I changed, packed up and awaited the news that I had been dwelling on throughout the day...just ask Noelle...did I win a horse?? Well, actually my showing was not so bad: 9th woman and 3rd American woman, AND an 8:52 finish :) Not quite what I was hoping for but met my reassessed goals!

At times when I was running on Saturday I was overwhelmed by the distance. What was ahead kept daunting me. But then I would think: I am inspired by those that love me, those that show me their strength under so many more difficult conditions in both life and sport, and those that share their lives with me everyday. That is more than enough to get me through a tough day in the woods!!

How Blessed I am!

mer

A Masochistic Birthday!

This year Mt. Masochist was to be held on Nov. 3rd, my 33rd birthday...how could I spend my birthday any other way??

I signed up early for this one knowing that it would be the 25th anniversary, and David Horton's last year to be the Race Director. Last year the race was sooo hard, I had to go back and so I could take on the challenge again.

About two weeks out from the race I had a wonderful conversation with a friend and someone I respect sooo much. It wasn't just about tapering; it was about being ok in my head about tapering. She nailed exactly how I was feeling, and somehow it helped to know I wasn't alone. I must also admit that it helped that during taper I happened to run into her a few times out and about.

So here I am in this taper, my legs feel great, and the race is less than a week away. Tuesday night I feel a little scratch in my throat. Wednesday morning I just don't feel good...sore throat, sniffles, worst case scenerio in my pre-race book. I see Cassie, and the first words out of my mouth are, "I'M FREAKING OUT!!!" Here I am all tapered and now getting sick. She offered me advice, but I already had in my head to go to Whole Foods and hit the juice bar. I took shots of potions, vitamins, and pastes that will soon not leave my memory. I was determined to cure myself in the next 48 hours without taking anything that would dehydrate me. So I got through Wednesday, with the positive vibes of my good friends, and then Thursday repeated much of the herbal/terrible tasting remedy and more positive vibes. By Thursday evening I would say I was about 70%...not quite how I wanted to head to the race.

Friday morning I headed to Lynchburg Virginia with the hopes of beautiful weather, a not scratchy throat, and some friendly faces. I didn't know many doing the race, and wondered if I would feel like a stranger in their Kingdom. What I would learn over the next 24 hours is that the EAST COAST ULTRARUNNERS are just AMAZING!!

After enjoying some of the history of Lynchburg, the Point of Honor, I ate and then headed over to packet pick-up and the pre-race meeting. When I entered and got my packet, I was warmly welcomed with a hug from Dr. Horton himself. Then Annette introduced me to her friend, Amy, who wasn't going to run. Instead of just sitting back with some unfriendly small talk, she gave to me a friendliness and comfort I can't quite put into words. She offered me race advice, we talked about her move back, and we rejoiced in her reason for not running...even though standing at the pre-race dinner she wasn't entirely convinced volunteering was the position she wanted to be in. It was just incredible.

From there I enjoyed just the constant warm welcome and conversation I received. It was as though I was a part of this community that was foreign to me just a few hours earlier. Every race I have travelled to over the past year has left me with this same feeling...just awesome. I must admit to feeling honored with the people I get to share time with at these races.

The pre-race meeting/seminar/sing-along was quite something. How many times could people laugh, joke, sing about "Horton Miles??" So somewhere along the way, I thought the race was only 52 miles, and that "Horton Miles" were only 2 extra miles. Well, Friday night I learned it was actually 54 miles. I had wanted to have a 10hour race, but that is when I thought it was a 52 mile race...

I headed to the bus at 4:45am Saturday morning. They were heading to the start line at 5am SHARP. I had a nice crew on my bus, and there wasn't too much chatter. When we arrived at the start line, I asked the guy behind me, Jesse, if I could share his light until sunrise. He was super sweet and happy to let me run with him. Before too long, it was time to head to the start line. And after a prayer...off we went.

they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31

The first almost 7 miles of the race are on the road, which I actually like. It gives you a chance to spread out and get warmed-up. Many others didn't feel the same. Of course, I probably loved it the most because at about mile 4 a group screamed/sang Happy Birthday to me. (Thanks Krissy, Sarah, and Sarah's team of runners) Then as the sun rose over the dam, it was time to enter the trail....one hour down hopefully just 9 more to go.

The colors were amazing, and the on-going company was even better. There was non-stop chatter with new folks, and the miles were just flying by. Before I knew it we were starting the set of climbs leading to the half-way mark. Part way up, I saw Sophie, a fellow Montrail Althlete, coming up. Her plan for the day was to take it super conservative in the first 1/2 and then see what she could do in the second half. So off we headed together....and before I knew it we entered the aid station that Amy was volunteering at. You must remember that I had just met her the evening before. She hollored and cheered for me, and as I was leaving the aid station I saw on the back of her SUV a set of signs, "Happy Birthday Meredith!" I was just blown away and so truly touched!! I told Sophie that the East Coast Runners had made my day so special. It was crazy. Sophie and I must have covered about 5 miles together, and they were some of the best of the race. We had great conversation, and just a really positive time together. As always, it just makes me feel so fortunate to be on a team with all of these wonderful people!

Up the next hill, and we separated. Before too long I hit mile 27, the half-way point. This is where I had my biggest time waster. I needed to go to the restroom, so I headed into the woods. I ended up having to head pretty deep in the woods to find a covered spot, which took about 5 minutes. Afterward, I went back to where I placed my gear on the side of the trail...a must to mark where you went off trail. I started up Buck Mountain at 5:06 into the race.

Psalm 121
A Song of Ascents.

1 I will lift up my eyes to the hills— From whence comes my help? 2 My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.

This was on a sign at the top of the climb up Buck Mountain!

Amy had told me that this is where the race changes. This is where I needed to move. So I did just that. I came up a guy named John toward the top who was having a rough time. He is diabetic and was having stomach issues. When we got to the top I saw the Ginger Ale and suggested he have some of that to settle his stomach so that he could eat a little. He did and off we went down the other side. We had a great time and ran back and forth until we got to the loop. It was there his crew said, "Run this section and be back in an hour." So, they weren't talking to me but it was pinned in my head. I asked John, "can we do this section in an hour; isn't it like 7 miles?" He said, "it's over 6 and last year I did it in 56 minutes." There it was, I was to run this section in under an hour. I can't explain why their impression was what was pushing me, but I was off to follow John. I later found out that he came out in 56 minutes. I exited the loop in 58, and HUNGRY. I grabbed 2 cups of MOUNTAIN LIGHTENING (generic Mountain Dew but I LOVE the name), and a stack of cookies. I wish there was a picture of me running down the trail with this stack of cookies...peanut butter or oatmeal and some shortbread with chocolate all sandwiched together being shoved in my mouth. It was all sooo good, and gross at the same time.

I ran and ran and then climbed and climbed up to aid station 15. Again, Amy was there all smiles but as I was grabbing more MOUNTAIN LIGHTENING I saw her check her watch. She told me it was actually about 5 miles to the next aid station with almost 3 of climbing. After that it was 3.8 to the finish. I looked down at my watch and saw what she did...I had 1:30 to break 10 hours. My plan was simple, if the ground flattened at all I would run. Jenny and I had been trading places ALL day, and I told her of my plan. I said, "it's going to suck but let's see how hard we can push." I actually felt surprisingly strong. I guess this plan had played out pretty well. Holding back gave me some good energy. Neither one of us spoke, but we worked. All the rocks were covered with ankle deep leaves and I just focused downward on the trail. With 34 minutes to spare I hit the last aid station. One more quick swig of MOUNTAIN LIGHTENING and away I went. Before I knew it Jenny was cheering for me from above. I just ran, and ran, and ran. At 9:53 on my watch, I hit 1 more mile to go. I knew I couldn't make it, but I was going to try. I ran, and ran, and ran. When the trail dumped onto the road, I dropped my pack and water bottle. My legs hated me, but there I was the finish line in my face...10:00:44. As the weekend in Lynchburg began, so it ended...with a HUGE hug from David Horton! That is how he greets each finisher.

And then for the comedy...they have this Ironman and Woman competition post-race. Man who benches most 150lb. and woman who benches the most 75lb. Annette grabs me and says you must. I try to explain that I am sore from running with a water bottle in one hand and gloves in the other...before I can debate I am sitting on a bench with 75lbs being lowered to my arms. I grab it, and my arms go down, and down, and down....that's right they don't actually come back up. As the bar is sitting on my chest, it takes assistance to remove it. Funny stuff. Next year I am coming back in full force!!! Fortunately, I think a lesson in Roller Skiing is going to cure that...more on that lesson in a few weeks :)

After that Jesse, the guy who shared his light with me so many hours earlier, and I walked back to get my bottle and pack. We got to cheer on other runners coming in. It was so fun. I got to congratulate all the other Montrail runners on their great days, good health, and very well-executed plans...YEAH SOPHIE!!!

And unlike last year, I actually had time to catch the first bus back and clean-up before the post-race party. I got to share hugs with all the people I spent the day with, and I got to see and thank Amy again!! She already got me excited for next year's race because she'll be back out there.

As I was leaving, I went to say good-bye to Dr. Horton. I thanked him for the gift of the day I had for my birthday, although minus all the above details. He told me that the blessing was in the fact that I realized it was a gift today. He NAILED it... All day I felt the gift: the weather, the leaves falling like rain drops with the wind gusts, the wonderful people I got to share the day with, my health, my ability be able to run such an incredibly tough race, all the love and support I have at home, and that there was no better way to spend my birthday than in God's Kingdom. How blessed I feel!!

And in case that wasn't enough, I got to share my birthday back at home with my friends and Paul. Thank you so much for such a special celebration and evening! It was wonderful!!

Does it really ever get any better than this?

Good Times!

We have what I hope will stay as a new addition to our family: Flyer. He is an almost two-year-old Pointer Champion who is being given up because his legs are too long...he is too tall to continue on with his show life. He is beautiful and a very good dog. Daisy seems to like her new friend!!

We have gotten to experience a ton of firsts with him since he has only been a show dog. His first: stuffed animals, I spend my afternoons collecting them; a 7-mile run on the Greenbelt; morning runs on the Golf Course; nights not in a crate but in his bed by ours; and lots and lots of deer...we still need to work on him not chasing them. He is so fast that before we can blink he is 1/2 mile from the house. He has also gotten to meet so many of my friends, and even went over to meet Scotch and Nick before our track endeavor with him in the morning...that will be it's own story I am sure.

Paul is back to what he loves to do, run. He did his first running race since the trail series. Here is how good he looks running fast. I am so excited to watch him race this season! It keeps him so happy!

It's gotten cold outside : ( I will now be cold, fingers and toes blue and goose-bumps all the time, until Spring crests it's happy head. Probably back to Bikram; I LOVE the hot room for 90 minutes...and the yoga isn't bad.

Have a great week and watch out for the lady with the two charging dogs! mer

The Smell of California

Is that a strange title, maybe a little. There are some smells I can't stand and wish would go away as quickly as possible. The smell of old/stale/brewed too long ago coffee, is enough to turn my stomach. It sits as such a running joke in my house that Shan gave Paul a special heating cup for coffee, so he could drink it without me smelling it. His friend (boyfriend) Jim, oftentimes brews it at his house for Paul pre-race. Clea just thinks I am strange...ok, Paul, Shan, and Doug don't tend to disagree on this matter. Then there is the smell of freshly baked donuts that I can smell from the track on Wednesday mornings. Oh my, what it can do to your stomach when you are running hard. In case I wanted a donut anytime soon, the thought associated with that smell is enough to turn me away. And, I guess, I should mention the smell my camelback can hold occassionally if I don't hurry to wash it. I can't blame all bad smells on other things.

But there is a smell that I got to take home with me, and as I told Paul, "it is my favorite smell in the world." The smell of the woods in California. There is something magical in the air that keeps me coming back for more. Fortunately, this trip, the smell got into my shoes and I got to bring it home to Paul. I couldn't wait to take them out of the bag for him to take a deep breath, which he did. Honestly, I can close my eyes and still take it in...

I arrived in Oakland to 50 degrees and drizzle. on Friday After I picked up my rental, it turned to rain. I had printed off the directions to a local movie theater and thought I would go see Into the Wild. Well between the terrible roads, the rain, and the fear of death...it didn't happen. I ended up driving around what felt like aimlessly. I figured at that point I would just pick up dinner and head to the hotel. It was only 4pm. I got there and was hungry and exhausted, so tired my eyes were burning. Was it the rain, the travel, or just my recent life? I ate and took a short nap.

At about 6, I thought I would go check out the race finish, where we would be taking a shuttle to the start in the morning. To my amazement the rain had let up, I would later see on the news that over an inch had fallen, and the sun was working its way out. I even saw a rainbow. I headed over to the finish, a 5 minute drive, and for the first time since I had arrived I got excited. It was just beautiful! I could smell the rain moving away, and see hope in the day to come.

I went back to the room, got my stuff ready, and got ready for bed. The race didn't start until 9, but we had to catch the shuttle at 7:15...still I would be totally sleeping in. That is if I were actually on cali time. I was up 3:30, 4, 4:30...still on Texas time. I was worried this would bite me later.

I headed to the shuttle, and sat with the nicest guy on the bus. He was going to be a fast one, but after we chatted about the race a bit conversation turned to our families (his wife and their baby and, of course, Paul) Anyway, we got to the race start and it was about 45 degrees; I could smell the crispness in the cold for the first time this year.

It was very cool to arrive at the start and be greeted by none other than Ann Trason. She was everything I had hoped she would be...down to earth and super friendly. She got us all set, and we had 30 minutes to kill. I didn't want to peel off my layers until the last minute.

We got to the start line and Carl gave us our final instructions. He said that the first section was going to be very nasty from the rain, but the rest of the course should dry nicely. He said not to expect a PR with a laugh...yikes, what have I gotten myself into. And off we went.

This is where things go terrible. We take off about 200 yds and start to climb. There is one girl and a stack of guys that take-off, see-ya, and then I am in the second pack. For a moment I am fine there and then realize that my legs feel like they weigh a ton. I have so much mud on the bottom of my shoes and it won't get loose. I stop and stomp my feet, but noone else seems to need to stop. They just plug along...what is wrong with me I think. I verbalize the trouble I am having to the next pack that passes me. I just keep telling myself to suck it up, but boy am I having a hard time with it. FINALLY, this nice man slows up a bit and mentions that once we hit a road at the top it should be much better. I hope he knows what he is talking about. He kind of lingers near me. I wasn't sure what for...to be nice or for my rotten mood company. At one point he says this is what the whole course is like, climbing, climbing, a short downhill, and then more climbing. I almost hit him when he says this. Seriously, I have NEVER had this bad of a start to a race, training run, or anything like it.

Sure enough, we cross the road and the terrain improves. The man is still with me, but I am not moving as well as I would like. Granted the climb is about 4 miles, but it is fairly gentle and felt I should be running it. I let the man who has run it a few times set the pace as we continue to climb. Then finally we flatten for a moment and head downward. I hop in front and he hangs on for the ride. Still my legs feel pretty heavy. From here we have some good downhill and I take advantage. Even if my legs are tired I want to test the push...in case I have to walk it in. Tim, I learn his name this section, stays with me and we chat about so much but mostly he tells me about the East Bay area. He points out the sights as we come to them, reminding me to take a look around. I need to hear what he tells me. It is also during this time that we pass the 50-milers, their course is an out-and-back. It helps me to see them. There are a few people I know, and I am thrilled to see Mike on the trail. He ran my training run in WS with me; and we ran together at TRT...we have documentary proof of that time together!! (Thanks John F. for the footage; Mike and I went on and on about how cool it was to have it!)

After the next aid station, I put one ear of my headphones in and keep cruising along. Tim and I continue to chat, but I need the background music to keep my legs moving. I am cursing myself for not tapering for this race. It could be so much more enjoyable than I am letting it be. In this section, Tim tells me that this one and the next are his favorites. He is right...they are beautiful. It was like being in an enchanted forest and because it had rained, it felt like an enchanted rain forest. We come up to the aid station before we head into the redwoods, and low and behold Graham Cooper is there to fill my water bottle. I want to stay and chat, but as we come in Tim tells me to hurry so that I don't get stuck in a group on the upcoming single track. I follow him, but his getting me moving flustered me and I need a moment. I back off and catch my breath. It is here that I get in a bit of a fight with myself. I tell myself that I didn't come all this way to be out here and walk or move slow. I ate something, and started to push. Tim was right that it was his favorite section because I never caught up to him. It is a constant climb with a small amount of downhill and some decent switchback flats. It is all moist, so I am fairly careful. I come out toward the next aid station and catch up to another guy. I was happy to be seeing people. I fill my water, and they tell me basically one good climb and then it is all downhill, kind off. I start the next climb with force. I catch another guy who tells me that when I hit a certain fork I have peaked and then should push hard from there. The sun is out and finally I am feeling good. Did it really just take me over 15 miles to warm-up?? I could feel my stride open up for the first time all day, and I realized that there might be some hope for me afterall...

Finally I wasn't having to force the good time. I was actually enjoying more than just the scenery. After the last aid station, you head down and the you open up to Lake Chabot . I wasn't expecting it, and just loved it. The race has it's last 1.75 miles on a road around the lake, but of course there were 4 climbs on this road...a very cruel joke. But, I put my head down and continued moving. In the end, I cruised in feeling better than I had all day, and thrilled that things turned around. Tim was waiting for me at the finish line...he finished 2 minutes ahead of me. And, then I come to find out he is 60 years old!!

Once I finished, chatted with Tim, and we grabbed our goodies it was time for me to get back to the hotel to shower and change....they were nice enough to offer me a late checkout. In my mad rush to get my things together, I was hit with something wonderful. My shoes still had the smell from the trail. I took a deep breath in and quickly sealed them in a bag so that I could take my cherished odor home.

Before I headed to Fisherman's Wharf for dinner and gift buying, I went back to the finish to take pictures, thank my new-found friends, and await the finish of some of my 50-miler friends. I got to see Matt, and congratulate him and his new fiance!!. I got to see Steve, great race and good luck at Javalina! And just as I was starting to give up hope to see Mike finish he came in all smiles. I was so thrilled to be there for him after all the support he had given me this summer. It was fun to do the "mini" race and then cheer for others!!

After Mike and I walked out I went to San Fran to Fisherman's Wharf, where the smells of the ocean, the city, and the fresh bread were alive. I bought a fresh loaf of Sourdough bread for Paul, and had dinner at the Pier. Upon landing back in Austin Sunday morning, after 3 hours of terrible sleep on the plane, I made Sourdough French Toast. It was a great treat for both Paul and I!!

After breakfast, I opened my suitcase and once again...even if only for a brief moment, the smell of the California trails came alive. Until the next adventure, the smell will have to remain in my thoughts. mer

Clutz, again.

Friday I ran 30 miles. My schedule was pretty tight so I had to get it done at a pretty quick clip. It was fine, and a great run.

By Friday evening, though, I was exhausted. I couldn't believe that I had agreed to get up to meet someone for a run at 5:30 the next morning. After an early dinner, I was in bed by 8:30.

At 5:30 the next morning, I had planned to meet one of my Tough Cookies for the first part of her run. She is training for Sacramento Marathon and had done all of her longer mileage on her own. The group would be running 8, so if we got in at least 8 she wouldn't have much to do on her own. Again, the day before 30 miles no incident, BUT not 1 mile into my run with her down I went. Blood was dripping down my leg and I was flithy. I recognized then and there that running extreme out of my pace comfort is hazardous to me...when I drag my feet I am destined to go down. I need to find a safer way to run with my running group.

So now, less than one inch from where my knees were healing I am all scratched up again.

Saturday afternoon we went to Kileen to celebrate my sister-in-laws twins' first birthday. They were very cute eating their big pieces of cake...cake was flung all over and Daisy enjoyed taking on clean-up.

Today, October 1, and it's going to be over 90 degrees outside...hopefully a few more weeks of this great weather!!
mer

Even more words to live by...

"When people give you feedback, cherish it and use it."



"Don't Complain; JUST WORK HARDER!"



"Be good at something. It makes you valuable."



All by Randy Pausch

Last Lecture

Randy Pausch delivered his last lecture... Let the words inspire you:

He said that Jon Snoddy said, "Wait long enough and people will surprise and impress you. When you are pissed off and angry at them, you just haven't given them enough time. Just give them a little time and they will almost always surprise and impress you."

"The Brick Walls are there for a reason. The brick walls are not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something. Because the brick walls are there to stop those who don't want it badly enough. They are there to stop the 'other' people."

And then the narrator said that Pausch ended on the topic of "more of us should think about what we would say if it was out last chance to say it; as he sees it, it is a gift you give not just other people but also yourself:

It is not about how to achieve your dreams. It is about how to lead your life. If you lead your life the right way. the karma will take care of itself...the dreams will come to you."

Words to live by!!
mer